RPD: Officer was dragged by a stolen car and shot at theft suspect on Culver Road

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Rochester Police officer is recovering – and a city man is in the hospital – after police say the officer shot the man when he dragged him with a car across a parking lot Thursday night

Police say the suspect, a man in his 30s, was stealing from a gas station at Culver Road and University Avenue when the officer confronted him.

According to Chief David Smith, when the officer tried to catch the suspect, he sped off in a stolen car and dragged the officer across the pavement of the parking lot. He said the officer shot the suspect at least once in the upper body. The officer was eventually thrown from the car and onto the pavement and the car sped down Culver Road.

“This, once again is a reminder of the dangers our office continues to face while serving our community,” Smith said.

RPD said they found the suspect around Atlantic Avenue and Anderson Avenue, about a mile from the gas station, after 911 callers reported a man with a gunshot wound. Responding officers began medical treatment and the man was rushed to Strong Hospital by ambulance. The injured officer was taken to Highland Hospital.

Both the suspect and the officer were taken to the hospital. The suspect is in stable condition and the officer was treated and released.

RPD said they determined the car was stolen on December 19, based on surveillance video of the incident. The RPD is investigating the incident and is encouraging anyone with photos, videos, or information to call 911.

You can watch Cheif Smith’s full press conference here: